Police Inspector Matt Baxter said at the scene: "We have some local police units here to maintain the cordon while scene of crime units conduct a forensic investigation of the scene."

One Grange Road resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "We saw the blue lights flashing through the window at about 8pm.

"When we looked out there were police cars blocking off the road and a big van with GS or something written on it.”

A Dorset police spokesperson said: “At approximately 8pm on Thursday May 22, armed officers from Dorset Police arrested three males in Lower Blandford Road, Broadstone, outside the Nationwide Building Society.

“Tyre deflation rounds were discharged by the police into the vehicle’s tyres at this location to disable it.

“The arrested persons are a 37-year-old man from Broadstone, a 40-year-old man from Poole and a 48-year-old man from Manchester. No-one was injured in the incident.

“Detectives from Dorset Police’s major crime team are investigating the incident and are appealing for any witnesses who were in Lower Blandford Road near the junction with Grange Road at approximately 8pm on Thursday 22 May to contact Dorset Police on 101, quoting incident number 22:392 or alternatively, call the free and anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.”

The spokesperson added that the three men were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit robbery.